Lent is the forty-day-long season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The
forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where he endured
temptation by Satan. (see Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2)

The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through prayer,
penitence, almsgiving and self-denial—for the annual commemoration during Holy
Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which culminates in Easter

Many people consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than
an obligation. They may decide to give up a favourite food or drink (e.g.
chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g., playing video games, etc.) for Lent, or
they may instead take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering
for charity work. Some people have regard to the fact that Sundays are Feast
Days, so the fast or abstinence may be broken, though many would consider that
a dereliction of duty!

If one counts the
days from Ash Wednesday to the day before Easter Sunday, excluding the Sundays,
one will see that there are forty of them, corresponding to the number of days
Christ spent in the wilderness.

Children’s Activities

Come to our Family Service at 10.00 a.m. (usually on the first Sunday of each month - for dates please check the page “This Week’s and Regular Services”). This is a shorter non-communion service.

Sunday School

A Sunday School runs in the church hall on the third and fourth Sundays of each month alongside the 10am church service. Craft, stories and fun for all children whose parents attend the church service. Parents are also welcome to stay with their child, if they wish. Contact Sarah Ashford 0208 398 0922

Tots' Praise

This is held on the second Thursday of each month in the church at 9.30 a.m. This is a short, fun and lively session for all pre-school children and babies and their carers. Songs, stories, prayers and lots of fun in a very informal setting. Contact Katie Traub 0208 224 2880

Parent and Toddler Group

The Parent and Toddler Group meet on Thursdays, 9.30-11.30 a.m. (term time only), Church Hall

This very popular group for pre-schoolers and their parents/carers allows children to play constructively in a relaxed atmosphere. You can chat with friends old and new, and share the experience of bringing up a young family. Drinks and biscuits are available at a small cost. Contact Elaine Heptonstall 0208 398 7211

Special Services

During the year there are also additional 'Special Services' which many children and their parents look forward to, especially Mothering Sunday, Harvest Festival, the Toy Service (usually early December), and the Christingle Service (usually mid-December).

Baptisms

We are delighted to baptise anyone who lives in the Parish. For many this is an opportunity to rejoin the Christian family and connect with the local community who will support your child and your family throughout their lives. Please contact the Parish Office 0208 398 9641.

Parents will be asked to attend a baptism meeting following a Sunday morning service to explore the meaning of baptism and the practical elements of the baptism service.

Toilets

In Church, there is a toilet behind the Church organ. If you are unsure please ask a sidesperson (the person who hands out the books) for assistance. There are several toilets in the Church Hall—and baby changing facilities.